FIFA World Cup 2010: Expect Germany vs. Argentina Fireworks

First things first, this quarterfinal matchup between Germany and Argentina has the potential to be the game of the tournament. Two high scoring and attacking teams going head-to-head for a chance to reach the semifinals. What could make that even better, you ask?

What if there was not an ounce of love lost between the two teams, and the last time they played, at this exact stage in 2006, it ended in an all-out brawl?

What if the two teams in question had both beaten the other once in a World Cup final? What if they had been consecutive in World Cup finals?

As you may have guessed from my not-so-subtle line of questioning, this is exactly what is due to take place on Saturday, and it has the potential to be an absolute classic.

This time four years ago in Germany these two teams faced off in the same quarterfinal round, and it ended 1-1 following extra time penalties. Neither nation had ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout before.

Thanks to Jens Lehman the Germans triumphed 4-2 on penalties, and a riot ensued.

The Argentinian players exploded at their loss and attacked the celebrating Germans, some of whom sensibly avoided any confrontation and left while others joined the fight with relish.

Torsten Frings received a match ban for punching an Argentinian in the face, and Germany suffered without him in midfield against eventual champions Italy.

Strangely, some of Argentina's most fiery characters, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, and infamous German keeper Lehman all kept their heads and dignities about them to avoid the unsightly scenes altogether.

This time German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has thrown the first metaphorical punch, accusing the Argentinian team of a "lack of respect" towards opponents.

His words are backed up by the fracas with Mexico in the round of 16, and the manner in which the Argentinian coach Diego Maradona has conducted himself. He is often entertainingly lively on the bench, spending a large part of games screaming at officials at perceived fouls, and waving his hands for bookings.

While Schweinsteiger may have a point about some aspects of the Argentine team, it is simply more fuel onto the fire.

Maradona, never far from controversy, has hit back, by claiming that Schweinsteiger must be nervous, a statement he allegedly made in his best Teuton accent, thereby proving that in fact he does respect his opponents...

Expect a few more outbursts from either camp before the whistle is blown, and expect some flying tackles to rain in as personal vendettas look to be avenged.

The Referee

Schweinsteiger's words come at a time when trust in referees is at a low. Following England's disallowed goal, the goal Argentina scored against Mexico from three feet offside and a catalogue of other mistakes, Schweinsteiger is influencing the referee in an altogether more subtle way than Maradona's touchline theatrics.

Schweinsteiger is placing a lot of pressure on the referee to spot perceived Argentinian gamesmanship, and if this thought is left in the back of the referees mind it might be useful for Germany, a team with a large amount of players on bookings.

If the referee is worried about being lambasted by the Germans for soft bookings given for Argentinian simulation, he will be more reluctant to draw a card from his pocket.

The Match

These two teams are exciting and highly offense-minded outfits, and both are capable of scoring past the other. The only worry is that petty gamesmanship comes to the fore, and that diving, time wasting, and players surrounding the referee demanding opponents be booked will will take over.

Perhaps I'll be proved wrong and a clean and fair match is played without a single debatable officiating error, but somehow I doubt it.